Sega has put forth new information about their upcoming online RPG. Players will be able to play Phantasy Star Online locally to strengthen their characters, but in order to finish the game, online play will be required. Additionally, more than 50 add-on scenarios will be available for internet downloading. Sega claims the Phantasy Star Online server will be capable of handling 12,000 simultaneous clients, but the company will also regulate its connection capacity using sales information.

Also, purchasers will score an added bonus with their copy of PSO--a demo version of the forthcoming Sonic Adventure 2. It's not an RPG, but Sega fans are sure to enjoy having a playable demo for the latest chapter of Sega's flagship series. No one has spoken about whether the Sonic 2 demo will be included in the North American version of PSO.

Phantasy Star Online is currently on track for a December 21 release in Japan for a suggested retail price of 5800 yen, and domestically in January 2001 for an unconfirmed MSRP. For more information, check out RPGamer's comprehensive coverage.